Cherargei says church buildings ought to cease counting on political harambees after ACK ban

Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei has advised that spiritual organizations develop structured methods to deal with contributions for church growth, moderately than counting on political fundraising occasions (harambees) held in church buildings.

In an announcement shared on his X account on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Senator Cherargei stated this in of the current transfer by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) to ban political speeches inside its locations of worship. He famous that politicians have many different platforms to push their agendas, together with child and bridal showers.

The politician expressed his settlement with the directive, emphasizing the necessity to preserve locations of worship sacred and free from political affect. He said that worship areas needs to be reserved solely for preaching, prayers, and worship.

“On this one I fully agree with ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole sapit let the worship places remain to be sacred to be used for preaching, worship and prayers ONLY without politicking which may desecrate the altar. We politicians have many forums on how to pass our messages including but not limited to even baby showers or bridal showers,” Cherargei declared.

Adding;

“On harambees can religious organisations develop a decent and structured way on contributions to assist in building places of worship.”

Ban on politicians

The ACK, led by Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, made the announcement earlier throughout the Consecration and Enthronement of Bishop Canon Jonathan Kabiru on the ACK Nairobi Diocese in Makadara, that politicians will now not be allowed to make speeches inside its church buildings.

Instead, they are going to solely be acknowledged by identify and permitted to greet the congregation with out delivering any political remarks.

“I want to give directions that from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, there will be no opportunity for any political leader to have a speech in the church,” he said firmly.

Archbishop Ole Sapit, in his agency declaration, clarified that any interplay between politicians and congregants would must happen exterior the church premises. He emphasised that this directive could be enforced throughout all ACK church buildings and dioceses.

“We will mention their names, they will wave their hands if they so wish to speak to the congregants. It will be done outside of the sanctuary, not only today but in all our dioceses and churches,” he added.

This transfer comes as a part of the church’s effort to separate faith from governance, an situation that has been a longstanding concern in Kenya. Over the years, church buildings have develop into frequent venues for political discourse, with politicians utilizing spiritual platforms to advance their agendas. This observe has drawn criticism, with many arguing that spiritual sanctuaries ought to stay apolitical.

In 2021, the Church and Clergy Association of Kenya spoke out in opposition to the pattern, condemning politicians for turning pulpits into marketing campaign levels. The affiliation reiterated that church buildings ought to stay sacred areas for worship and never be used as political battlegrounds.